Medical Emergencies · single question
During sedation, the patient's SpO₂ drops. What is the FIRST step?
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Correct answer: D. Pull/thrust the mandible forward (jaw thrust)
Jaw thrust / pull the mandible forward (D) is the FIRST step when SpO₂ drops during sedation. A dropping oxygen saturation is most commonly caused by airway obstruction during sedation (tongue falling back, soft tissue collapse). The immediate response is to open the airway with a jaw thrust maneuver, which displaces the mandible anteriorly and lifts the tongue off the posterior pharynx.
• This is basic airway management — always address airway FIRST (A-B-C protocol).
• If jaw thrust restores the airway → SpO₂ improves → monitor and adjust sedation level.
• Give reversal (A): If airway maneuvers fail, THEN consider reversal agents (flumazenil for benzodiazepines, naloxone for opioids).
• Nitroglycerin (B): for chest pain/angina — not relevant here.
• Aspirin (C): for suspected MI — not relevant here.
• This is basic airway management — always address airway FIRST (A-B-C protocol).
• If jaw thrust restores the airway → SpO₂ improves → monitor and adjust sedation level.
• Give reversal (A): If airway maneuvers fail, THEN consider reversal agents (flumazenil for benzodiazepines, naloxone for opioids).
• Nitroglycerin (B): for chest pain/angina — not relevant here.
• Aspirin (C): for suspected MI — not relevant here.
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